Cosmic Flute
Self-Released, 2019
8/10
The recording moniker of Jacob Rudin, who is a trained pianist and flute enthusiast, as NTHNL he brings Andes flute music into modern day EDM and some variation of classically influenced indie-rock on the appropriately titled Cosmic Flute.
The title track starts with plenty of spacey flute sounds before a soulful groove settles in to the unique landscape, and “Cutchatparri” follows with breezy melodies in a busy display of eclectic skill.
Further along, “Phoenix Tail In The Moonlight” recruits mystery and psyche-rock tendencies in the curious setting, while “Chemtrails” unfolds with a cinematic quality as New Age and electro-pop collide in the best ways.
Near the end, “Syncretism” offers horns in its busy display of frenzied skill, and “Run Away” ends the listen with vocals as the quirky yet graceful exit reminds us again of just how creative this endeavor is.
Though this is his debut as NTHNL, Rudin was previously a part of Primal Feelings and Sausagemang Soup, and though he brings a wealth of experience from those outfits, Cosmic Flute is indeed an entirely new animal, and one that fans of jazz, fusion, IDM, and electronic sounds that are from typical would benefit from experiencing.
Travels well with: Lina Tullgren- Free Cell; Caroline Kuhn- EP